Utility seeks applications for renewable energy projects

Since 2006, customers who participate in the utility's voluntary green pricing program have also helped fund 66 new community-based renewable energy projects in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho.

"Many of these projects are now completed, generating electricity and providing educational opportunities about the advancement of renewable energy," said Gilmore. "We look forward to seeing this round of applications and selecting projects that demonstrate significant community benefit for our customers."

To be considered in this competitive application process, interested parties must complete and submit an application form along with supporting materials by 5 p.m. on July 1, 2011. Applications will be accepted beginning May 2.

Renewable energy projects that are eligible for funding awards from Rocky Mountain Power's Blue Sky program may include those that support technologies such as wind, solar photovoltaic, biomass, wave, landfill gas, certified low-impact hydro, pipeline or irrigation canal hydropower and geothermal.

This funding is available for projects in Rocky Mountain Power's service area that are locally owned and have a generating capacity of less than 10 megawatts of electricity. Projects must be completed by Dec. 31, 2012 and should focus on encouraging renewable energy market transformation. Preference is given to local, community-based projects that develop renewable energy generation, support educational efforts to bring broader understanding of renewable energy development and generation,Â and/or invest in research and demonstration of new generation technologies.

Funding is not available for off-grid or residential projects, for passive or thermal solar energy projects, or for geothermal heat pump systems.

Materials may be submitted by mail, fax or e-mail to:

Rocky Mountain Power

Attn: Blue Sky Fund Award

One Utah Center - 24th Floor

201 S. Main, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Fax: 1-800-754-3114

E-mail: blueskyprojects@rockymountainpower.net.

funding awards is limited and varies year to year. In 2010, Rocky Mountain Power's Blue Sky program awarded funds ranging from $22,000 to $125,000 for renewable energy projects in its service area. This funding is made possible thanks to participating Blue Sky customers.

When a customer enrolls in Blue Sky, Rocky Mountain Power purchases Green-e Energy-certified renewable energy certificates on their behalf from wind energy facilities in the western region. Blue Sky funds also help support the development of smaller-scale renewable energy projects in local communities. More than 34,000 Rocky Mountain Power customers currently buy Blue Sky renewable energy.